Making a splash for World Toilet Day

LHS Navigation Section Navigation

News

Red Cross and Caroma highlight the plight of the 2.7 billion people who do not have access to basic sanitation.

Friday November 18, 2011

Australian Red Cross and Caroma are set to make a splash among morning commuters in Sydney CBD's Wynyard Park today by lining up volunteers on a row of very public white and red toilets, on the eve of World Toilet Day.

Red Cross and leading bathroom brand Caroma are using the day to highlight the plight of the some 2.7 billion people worldwide who do not have access to basic sanitation.

Australians can make a real difference by supporting Red Cross and Caroma's joint fundraising program, 'I Love My Bathroom' by donating to www.ilovemybathroom.com.au

Globally, some four million people die each year from diseases associated with a lack of safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.

Amongst Australian Red Cross/Caroma's line of volunteers sitting on what will be very public toilets, will be a toilet photo booth where commuters can have their picture snapped, and 'flushing wells' for donations to support water and sanitation projects.

'Unsafe water and poor sanitation have claimed more lives over the past century than any other cause, and wherever there is a lack of access to clean water and sanitation disease and economic hardship are sure to be close by,' said Australian Red Cross' water and sanitation aid worker Paul Byleveld, who has been on missions to countries such as Pakistan and India. 'The statistics are appalling; every day 4,000 children under the age of five die from diseases associated with unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.'

Caroma has donated more than $200,000 to support Red Cross water and sanitation projects in Asia-Pacific, particularly remote communities in East Timor, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The projects have improved community access to clean water and toilets, and targeted health and hygiene through education, and the establishment of infant and young child feeding groups.

Deborah Evans, Caroma Marketing Manger, said: 'The aim of the toilet squad is to raise awareness about the plight of one quarter of the world's population. We hope commuters who walk through Wynyard Park throw some spare change down the flushing well. Every cent and every dollar truly counts to help less fortunate communities.'

Photo opportunity

What: On the eve of World Toilet Day, Australian Red Cross and Caroma toilet squad lines up with red and white toilets in Sydney CBD's Wynyard Park. Amongst the spectacle will be a toilet photo booth where commuters can have their picture snapped, and 'flushing wells' for donations to support water and sanitation projects.